Fall 2009 - CSI Effect

-Fall 2009 Symposium-

On TV, DNA analysis takes minutes, latent fingerprints are lifted from a host of unusual locations, and video enhancement is state of the art. But in reality, scientific technology does not yet permit the development of fingerprints on many surfaces. The limits of forensic science are largely unknown to the general population, and cases can be backlogged for more than a year. Does the "CSI Effect" actually exist? Do jurors have expectations that cannot be met, resulting in acquittals or hung-juries, whereas, the same evidence presented ten years ago would have resulted in a conviction? This year's distinguished speakers answered these questions from all aspects of the criminal justice system. We were pleased to host the following speakers at theThomas M. Cooley Law School:

Founded in 1972, the Thomas M. Cooley Law School is a private, nonprofit, independent law school accredited by the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission. Cooley has provided its graduates with the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world.